Hey y’all, Last week, my companions and I had quite an adventure climbing some hills that overlook the desert valley.  We waited for the sun to rise and we were rewarded handsomely! 🌞The warm glow of the sun rising on a cool desert morning is comparable to the feeling I get when serving others. 🏜 I enjoy serving here out on the mission whether that means helping the less fortunate or sharing the Gospel message with those seeking to increase their level of happiness. I truly feel that service brings happiness to everyone around.

In Mosiah 2:17-18, King Benjamin—the servant King—taught: 

“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God. Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought ye to labor to serve one another?”

I appreciate the example of leaders who serve others over self. In today’s world, we see so many bad examples of leaders who seek to increase their power and personal fortune while neglecting more important things like service. But real power comes from serving others.

This week, I continued with my Spanish-language assignment. I visited multiple Spanish families and had lessons in Spanish as well. I feel like my Spanish has grown from when I began my mission. I am now more confident in understanding what is being said and I am developing confidence in expressing myself in Spanish.

One story that happened this past week took place during Street Contacting. This guy was carrying a large drink with a large tub of popcorn. He sees me and my comps and asks us: “Hey guys! What do you have for me today?” We said to him: “We have this Book of Mormon.” He then sets down his large drink and tub of popcorn and grabs the Book. We tell him the Book Is in Spanish and we ask him: “Do you speak Spanish?” He answers: “I speak a little.” He gives us back the Book and after searching through his sweatshirt pockets, he pulls out a small bag of what appears to be drugs. As he pulls it out and opens the bag, the contents fall out on to the grass. He then picks up his popcorn and drink and sets them down again away from the search area. Next, he pulls out a lighter and starts using it just above the grass to find those drugs. I was watching him and thought: “What on earth are you doing??? Locating his items, he picks them up, thanks us, and walks away. All we could do was watch him leave, then we grinned and carried on with our street contacting.

I am grateful to our Heavenly Father for this opportunity to see what the world is truly like. Service is truly the key to lasting happiness. I enjoy serving here on my mission. I truly feel that service brings happiness to everyone around. Thank again for the love and support! I love you all and look forward to writing my next email soon! ❤💙💜